Why Doesn’t Harrison Have Public Hot Springs Access?

Harrison’s hot springs have existed for generations, but access today is effectively private. The Resort holds licensed rights to withdraw hot-spring water, and access is restricted to its guests.

A common question is: Why doesn’t the Village just apply for its own water lease?

Here’s the reality:

• A licence cap does not mean unused water is available to others.

• The Province will only issue a new licence if studies prove the source can safely support additional use without affecting existing rights.

• Any new licence would require hydrogeological studies, environmental review, Indigenous consultation, and new infrastructure.

• This process takes years, costs significant money, and carries legal risk.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
It means it requires political will, upfront investment, and transparency - not assumptions.

If public access is a real community goal, the first honest step is answering one question:
Has surplus capacity ever been independently studied?

No study = no decision.
No decision = the status quo continues.